Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a quick lunch, this creamy tomato soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sandwich. Made with rich San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, it brings a burst of flavor to your table in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: Using high-quality San Marzano tomatoes ensures a deep, robust flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or croutons for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Kid-Friendly: Its creamy texture and mild taste make this soup a hit with children and adults alike.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from tomatoes and basil, you can enjoy this comforting soup guilt-free.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Before you start making our Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe, gather the essential equipment to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring your soup cooks perfectly without burning.
• Immersion blender: It allows for easy blending directly in the pot, minimizing mess and making cleanup simpler.
• Cutting board & knife: These are essential for chopping ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 large yellow onion (sliced)

For the Soup

• 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half and half)

For Flavor

• 8 large fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnishes

• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
• croutons (optional garnish)

How to Make Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Onion

Add sliced onion to the pot. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the San Marzano peeled tomatoes (with juice), chicken stock, and sugar into the pot. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 12 minutes or until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Stir in heavy cream, chopped basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be cautious of hot splatters; cover with a kitchen towel for safety if needed.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once pureed smoothly, stir in optional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with croutons on top for added crunch!

How to Serve Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is not just a comforting dish on its own; it pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that elevate the meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• A classic pairing, the crispy and gooey grilled cheese sandwich complements the creamy tomato soup perfectly. Use your favorite bread and cheese for a delicious crunch.

Topped with Croutons

• Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling croutons on top of your soup. They soak up the flavors while providing a satisfying bite.

Garnished with Fresh Basil

• For an aromatic touch, garnish your soup with extra fresh basil leaves. This adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Served with a Side Salad

• A light side salad can balance the richness of the soup. Opt for mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Serve your soup with warm garlic bread for an indulgent treat. The buttery garlic flavor pairs well with the rich tomato taste.

How to Perfect Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in your Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe, consider these helpful tips:

• Use high-quality tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes provide superior flavor and sweetness compared to regular canned tomatoes.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference for heat or flavor intensity.
• Blend thoroughly: Ensure there are no large chunks left in the soup by blending it well. This step contributes to a smooth, creamy texture.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or parsley for added complexity in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe can make for a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Homemade Grilled Cheese
   A classic choice, this sandwich is made using buttered bread and melty cheese, perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a crunchy contrast that complements the creaminess of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers
   Roasted bell peppers filled with quinoa and vegetables offer a hearty addition to your meal without overpowering the flavors of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetable Medley
   Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while enhancing your dining experience alongside the soup.
5. Cheesy Garlic Knots
   These soft knots drizzled with garlic butter and sprinkled with cheese are irresistible when dipped into warm tomato soup.
6. Pita Chips with Hummus
   Crispy pita chips paired with creamy hummus provide a delightful crunch that balances out the smoothness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the sautéing step: Not sautéing the garlic and onion properly can result in a bland flavor. Always cook them until fragrant and translucent for a rich base.
• Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned: While fresh tomatoes are great, using San Marzano canned tomatoes gives a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. Stick with quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
• Not seasoning correctly: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to a flat soup. Always taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Over-blending the soup: Blending too much can turn the soup into a puree rather than a creamy texture. Blend just enough to remove large chunks while keeping some texture.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Adding cold ingredients like cream can cool down your soup. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature or warm before adding them in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I make this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How can I enhance the flavor further?

Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the taste. You could also incorporate roasted red peppers for added depth.

What should I serve with this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe?

This tomato soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a simple garden salad.

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

While San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their rich flavor, you can use any good-quality canned tomatoes if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile! Experiment with spices or toppings like croutons and cheese to make it your own. Give it a try; your family will love it!